Istanbul — March 26, 2026
Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, spoke at the 51st Ordinary General Assembly of the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD), where he addressed developments in the automotive sector and commented on the European Union’s “Made in EU” initiative.
Strong Performance in Automotive Production and Exports
Speaking at the meeting held in Istanbul, Kacır highlighted the continued growth of Türkiye’s automotive industry, emphasizing its global competitiveness.
He stated that automotive production reached 1.446 million units last year, while exports hit a record $41.5 billion. He also noted that the sector has maintained a positive export outlook in the first months of 2026.
Kacır underlined that Türkiye is:
- The leader in Europe in commercial vehicle and bus production
- Among the top five automotive producers globally
“Made in EU” and Türkiye’s Position
Addressing the EU’s proposed “Made in EU” framework, Kacır emphasized the importance of maintaining Türkiye’s integration into European supply chains.
The initiative, which aims to strengthen EU industry and prioritize production within Europe, includes provisions that could classify goods produced in countries with customs union agreements—such as Türkiye—under certain conditions as part of the EU value chain.
Kacır indicated that such inclusion is critical for:
- Protecting integrated supply chains
- Sustaining Türkiye–EU industrial cooperation
- Preserving the competitiveness of the automotive sector
Growth in Innovation and Investment
The minister also highlighted long-term investments in innovation, noting that:
- Hundreds of R&D and design centers have been supported
- Thousands of automotive technology projects received funding
- Total supported investments in the sector reached over 1.2 trillion Turkish lira
These initiatives, he said, are aimed at strengthening Türkiye’s production capabilities and technological capacity.
Shift Toward Electric Vehicles
Kacır pointed to the global transition toward electric mobility, stating that electric vehicle sales worldwide have surged significantly in recent years.
In Türkiye, the share of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles has risen sharply and is expected to exceed 35% by 2030, reflecting the country’s commitment to transformation in mobility technologies.
Strategic Importance of EU Integration
Officials and industry representatives stress that Türkiye’s inclusion in the “Made in EU” framework would provide a competitive advantage, particularly in public procurement and industrial policy alignment.
The move is widely seen as a critical step in reinforcing Türkiye’s role in European production and supply chains, especially in strategic sectors like automotive manufacturing.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök